Rapid Reporting from the Dynamic Zone

Thermal Sensor Offers Greater Precision in Cyclic Temperature Control

In the series production of molded parts with high-quality surfaces or fine microstructures, the Z-system from Hotset GmbH, Lüdenscheid, Germany, yields impressive results for the partial and cyclic mold temperature control. A new thermal sensor with a very short response time now gives the system even greater process accuracy.

The more responsive and agile such a thermal sensor operates, the more precisely the temperature control can be controlled and monitored. “Thanks to our new cavity sensor, our Z-System represents a leap in performance in terms of instrumentation and control technology. That applies for both types of control of the partial-cyclic temperature control – both the time-controlled and the temperature-controlled modes,” explains Hotset project manager René Schlöter. In both cases, the new thermocouple improves the process reliability and repeat accuracy. For the user, that means: via the control of the Z-System, he can exert a more direct and targeted influence on the detail accuracy and surface quality of his injection-molded part.

Rapid Responsiveness

With the mold-specific, individual installation of the Z-System – very similar to the installation of a hot-runner system – the thermocouple is mounted as close as possible to the region in the cavity wall that is to be temperature controlled. “The sensor is thus always located directly in the dynamic zone of the partial-cyclically controlled melt that is crucial for the surface quality of the injection-molded part,” says Schlöter. Here, thanks to its rapid responsiveness, the cavity sensor registers even extremely small temperature changes and deviations almost in real time. The current measurement values are graphically processed in the Z-System control system.

For the development of the cavity sensor, Hotset employs its own company skills in sensor manufacture and calibration technology. The thermocouple is initially available in conventional industrial K and J types – both as a component of the Z-System as well as a stand-alone supply part for manufacturers of other dynamic or variothermal temperature-control products. According to Hotset, the heat sensor can be flexibly adapted to various installation situations.